Page 29 of Searching for Mr Tilney

I’ve never thought I am very pretty, and certainly not beautiful, rather plain in fact, though my hair, which is thick and the colour of glossy horse chestnuts is probably my best feature. But, something magical happened when I put on the pink gown and clasped the locket round my neck. With my hair put up into a chignon on top of my head I couldn’t believe that the sophisticated young woman staring back at me in the cheval mirror was myself. And for a second or two I had the strangest feeling that I could see Jane’s eyes reflected, and fused with mine. As the image grew stronger I could see her in the old glass, its silver backing peeling away in places, faded with time, and the vision glowing, mirroring my movements. She was standing before me; turning first one way and then the other, admiring her white muslin gown with a satin sash where a small posy of roses were tucked, and a pendant round her neck on a ribbon that looked just like mine.

‘Are you ready, Caroline? Harry is here.’

Ellen’s voice calling brought me out of my reverie, my heart kept turning over at the mention of his name. ‘Yes, I’m just coming,’ I answered, and turned back to my reflection to see the vision was gone.

I wasn’t prepared for the sight of Harry dressed in formal evening clothes and looking so handsome standing at the foot of the stairs, the hall light casting a soft glow on his hair. The dark suit made his eyes appear bluer than ever, and I noticed once again his height and broad shoulders, his slim torso and lean limbs. I was so busy looking at him, as I walked down the stairs, and drinking in the expression in his eyes, which seemed to be looking up at me in admiration, I didn’t immediately hear the gasps of approval all round.

‘My dear, Caroline, you look a beauty,’ enthused Roger, as he stepped forward to take my hand as I reached the bottom of the steps.

‘Doesn’t she look beautiful, Piers?’ Ellen agreed, and as Piers grinned at me, he stepped forward to kiss me on my cheek and whisper in my ear.

‘Harry’s eyes are out on stalks, you gorgeous girl. You have him well and truly captivated, I can see.’

Ellen clearly thought he was whispering sweet nothings and I saw her look hopefully at Roger with an expression that said, ‘there still may be a chance that my greatest wish will come true.’

Roger had ordered two taxis so our dresses wouldn’t be crushed, and I was grateful for the fact that Piers bundled the Applebys inside the first one that arrived, before they could argue, following them into the car, so that Harry and I were left alone to get the second. We stood in the hallway with only the sound of the Grandfather clock chiming the hour, and the dim lamplight filtering through chiffon shades onto the console table.

‘You look gorgeous,’ he said, ‘like a goddess or a fairy queen, ready to bewitch me.’

I opened my mouth to thank him, but I didn’t have a chance to answer because he took a step, and pulled me into his arms. I felt myself held so close that I could feel his heart beating through the dark jacket that fitted him so perfectly. I was holding my breath, and closed my eyes as he leaned in towards me, feeling his lips brush mine tentatively at first, but as I pressed nearer and kissed him back he drew me tighter than ever. His kiss was tender, as his mouth explored my lips, and I felt I might melt into a pool like the softening snow outside.

‘I’ve been wanting to do that ever since I met you,’ he said softly, pulling back just a little, and I felt my heart turn over.

‘And I’ve been hoping that you would,’ I answered. I put my arms around his neck and gazed up at him, staring back into the depths of his eyes.

I heard the car draw up outside, but Harry held me tightly, as if he’d never let me go.

‘Let the taxi wait,’ he said, ‘we might not get a chance like this again.’

He kissed me again with a hunger I could never have imagined. I’d never been kissed like that before, and I couldn’t begin to describe my feelings, the stirrings deep inside me. Was I falling in love? Was it even possible to feel like that so quickly? I felt as if I was flying, like a rocket soaring to the heavens, exploding with a trail of fire and stars, glittering behind me.

***

By the time we stepped outside and into the taxi I was tingling all over. Harry held my hand all the way there, and every time his fingers brushed my wrist or when he bent his head to kiss my palm, it was the most heavenly feeling. I hoped the traffic would be terrible so we’d be stuck, and be able to make the journey last longer, but the car seemed to take seconds to arrive at the Assembly Rooms. The taxi driver opened the door, and Harry helped me out of the car; taking my hand, hooking my arm through his, just as he had done on the Gravel Walk.

‘I’m not taking any chances,’ he said. ‘I want everyone, including Ellen, to know you’re with me tonight, and I’m not letting you go.’

We followed the great crowd inside to the Octagon room that looked just the same as Cassy had seen it, but we couldn’t see anyone we knew so we headed off to the ballroom. When we reached the door he took my hand and squeezed it, leaning forward to kiss my cheek. I saw Ellen on the other side of the room watching us from her seat at a circular table, but I didn’t care. I only had thoughts and eyes for Harry, and I squeezed his hand back again.

Ellen started waving, and though I thought he might let go, Harry just kept on holding my hand, as we walked over to join them at their table.

‘What a handsome couple you make,’ she said, and Ellen smiled at me in such a way I knew she’d given up any hope that Piers and I would ever be together.

I loved hearing the word couple used in reference to Harry and me - I’d never been in a proper couple, and I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d want to be with. Piers winked at me when he could, and I felt myself blushing. He’d been so right with his advice, and I was so grateful for his friendship.

We didn’t stay seated for long - Harry wanted to find Elsa and we soon found her chatting with a group of friends.

‘It’s lovely to see you again,’ Elsa said putting her hand out and touching me on the arm in an affectionate gesture. ‘Harry talked of no one else when we were away. I think even our uncle knows everything about you.’

I could hardly believe my ears, and even if I was sure now that Harry liked me, it was still wonderful to hear it from his sister.

‘I was sorry to hear your uncle’s been ill, but so glad to learn you’re all going to be together for Christmas.’

‘Yes, though between you and me, being stuck in a castle out in the wilds of nowhere in winter isn’t my idea of fun, even if it is heated and very comfortable.’

‘I love the idea of staying in a castle,’ I said, ‘though I’m a bit disappointed to hear it isn’t crumbling, haunted, or both.’

‘Well, some say it has a ghost, though we’ve never seen it, and there is one part of the castle that’s in ruins so I’m sure you’d like it,’ said Elsa. ‘I wish you could come and see it, and I know Harry would love that too.’